Distilled Spirits
- Distilled Spirit Reviews (260)
- Liqueurs/Cordials (42)
- Readers' Choice Awards (15)
- Spirit Infusions (11)
Brandy Basics
Characteristics of the popular varieties of brandy and information for choosing a bottle of brandy.
The Gist of Gin
Characteristics gin, the spirit of the martini and many other great cocktails.
An Introduction to Rum
Characteristics, profiles and techniques in making rum.
What is Cachaca?
Cachaca is a distilled spirit produced in Brazil from fresh sugar cane juice and is often associated with rum and the popular cocktail, the Caipirinha.
Tequila Time
Characteristics and varieties of tequila, the ultimate party spirit.
Vodka 101
Vodka is a clear liquor that is often made of grain or potato and is the most popular distilled spirit worldwide. Learn the basics about what distinguishes vodka and find information on vodka brands and vodka cocktails.
A Guide to Popular Vodka Brands
Choosing the right brand of vodka can be a difficult on because cost, taste, and intended use are important factors we consider.
Dessert Flavored Vodkas
One of the latest trends in the vodka market is those that are flavored to taste like desserts and baked goods. These indulgent tasting liquors are interesting and fun to mix into cocktails.
How to become a Distiller
Luckily, two of America's premier craft distillers, Don Poffenroth and Kent Fleischmann, along with their assistant Patrick Donovan offer a one week intensive course on craft distilling at Dry Fly Distillery in beautiful Spokane Washington. Dry Fly is one of the true craft distillers in America, eschewing the common craft distilling practice of rectifying purchased neutral grain spirits and instead crafting all of their current product line from Washington state wheat grown on one farm.
Tequila Mezcal and Pulque
Mexico for Visitors Guide, Suzanne Barbezat, explores tequila and the area in Jalisco, Mexico where it's produced.
What is Single Malt Whisky?
People frequently ask, "What is single malt whisky?" in liquor stores, restaurants and bars. The answer to "what is single malt whisky?" is deceptively simple. Single malt whisky is whisky that has been made from barley (almost always), water and yeast. In single malt whisky only one grain is used, therefore word single can be used to describe the malt whisky.
Whiskey Wisdom
Profile of the different types of whiskey including Irish, Scotch, Bourbon, Tennessee, Rye and Canadian. Learn the basic differences of this complex spirit.
What is Blended Scotch Whisky?
The differences between blended scotch whisky and single malt scotch whiskies can often be confusing. Here is an easy primer on what makes blended scotch whisky unique and different than single malt scotch whisky.
What is Mekhong?
Mekhong is a distilled spirit from Thailand that is made of sugar cane, rice and a secret blend of indigenous herbs.
What is Irish Whiskey?
People frequently ask bartenders, "What is Irish whiskey?", and while the answer isn't simple, a broad look at the Irish whiskey category is essential to understanding the category. Irish whiskey was the most popular whiskey category in America prior to Prohibition and with a surge of interest in Irish whiskey again, it may soon return to its dominant place as America's favorite style of whiskey.
Description of Korean Rice Liquor Soju
Soju is a popular Korean distilled spirit that was traditionally made with rice, much like sake, but is now commonly made with a combination of rice and grains. It has a comparable taste to vodka.
Clearheart Spirits
The story of Clearheart Spirits, a distillery that triumphed over a natural disaster that continues to produce high quality vodka, brandy, gin and rum with plans for the future.